Cricket

Mayank Yadav, the young pacer from Lucknow Super Giants, has emerged as one of the most promising talents in the ongoing IPL 2024. His impressive performances, including consistently clocking over 150kmph, have made him a key player for his team. However, an abdominal niggle has sidelined him from several games, raising concerns about his availability.On April 7, Yadav was forced to leave the field after bowling just one over against Gujarat Titans. He subsequently missed games against Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. However, a recent video posted by LSG has sparked speculation about his imminent return.The video, captioned "Phir se udd chala (flying again)," shows Yadav bowling at full speed. This has raised hopes among fans and team management that he may be fit enough to play in LSG's upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings on Friday.LSG coach Justin Langer has expressed optimism about Yadav's recovery, stating that he is targeting the home game against Chennai Super Kings on April 19 for his return. "We want him to play every game if possible," Langer said.Yadav's absence has been a significant blow to LSG, who have struggled to find a consistent replacement. His ability to bowl at high speeds and generate swing has been a major asset for the team.Meanwhile, LSG has also provided an update on the fitness of left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan, who has missed the team's last two games due to a back injury. Langer revealed that Khan is now bowling and could be available for the upcoming match against Kolkata Knight Riders.With the IPL playoffs approaching, LSG will be eager to have both Yadav and Khan back in action. Their return would provide a significant boost to the team's chances of securing a top-four finish and challenging for the title.

Mitchell Starc, the star pacer of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has endured a disappointing start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Despite KKR shelling out a record-breaking Rs 24.75 crore to acquire his services, Starc has failed to justify his hefty price tag.In the first six matches of IPL 2024, Starc has managed a meager five wickets at an economy rate of 10.54. In four of those games, he has remained wicketless. His performance has drawn criticism from former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop, who believes Starc has not lived up to expectations."I would assume that Mitchell Starc, especially at that price, hasn't really hit the nail on its head," Bishop said on ESPNcricinfo. "He got three wickets last game but tonight (Tuesday) again he would have been hoping to step up."Bishop pointed out specific instances where Starc's bowling lacked precision and strategy. "There was this one over, where he was going wide, wide, wide. When you need sixes, I think it's a good plan. Then you talk about backing yourself - of course there was that five wides, and the short ball which he got hooked for when there was nobody at square, instead of sticking with the wides and make Buttler hit the ball over that side."Former New Zealand star Mitchell McClenaghan, who has played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, believes Starc is struggling to adapt to the defensive style of bowling required on Indian tracks."Two overs in a row, we are talking about the first ball. He has tried to bowl the slower ball, and I think he was trying to bowl a wide slower ball. When you are bowling on these pressure situations, that first ball goes out of the park. And that is a good momentum-starter for the batter," McClenaghan said."He is also learning because the game is changing. IPL is a different beast as compared to international cricket. The grounds are so much smaller. Even mishits go for six. I think he is learning to bowl a lot more defensively on Indian grounds."Starc's poor form has raised concerns for KKR, who are desperate for a turnaround in their fortunes. The team has lost four of their first six matches and is currently languishing near the bottom of the points table.

The Indian cricket team is set to prioritize experience over IPL newcomers for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas. The national selection committee will finalize the squad by the end of this month, adhering to the ICC's May 1 deadline for the provisional 15-member roster.While some seasoned players may face disappointment, the selectors are expected to reward those who have consistently performed well in T20 Internationals and the IPL. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are in contention for a spot, but only one of the two finishers, Rinku Singh or Shivam Dube, is likely to make the cut.The second wicketkeeper's position is also up for grabs, with Sanju Samson facing competition from Jitesh Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ishan Kishan. Rahul and Kishan's lack of experience in the middle order during this IPL season complicates their selection.Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness remains a concern, but his selection is not in doubt. Virat Kohli's inclusion is also a formality. Other automatic selections include Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav.The reserve spinner's slot could be a three-way battle between Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravi Bishnoi. Chahal is the most skilled bowler, but his repeated omissions from important squads raise questions about his inclusion.The 'Impact Player' rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, has been detrimental to Indian cricket, according to a former international player. It has killed the concept of all-rounders, making half-fit players like Hardik Pandya more valuable.While young players like Riyan Parag, Mayank Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma have performed well in the IPL, the selection committee is likely to ease them into the national team via bilateral cricket.

Delhi Capitals, buoyed by their recent six-wicket victory, aim to maintain their momentum as they face Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.Ahead of the crucial encounter, Delhi Capitals' head coach Ricky Ponting outlined the team's strategy. "We will adjust our batting order to ensure we have the right batsmen facing Gujarat's spinners during the middle overs," Ponting stated. "Our batsmen are aware of the challenges they will face and are eager to take on this formidable side."The team is anxiously awaiting the results of David Warner's fitness test on Wednesday morning. The opener is still recovering from an injury. "Warner underwent an X-ray after the last game, which came back clear," Ponting said. "However, he has significant swelling around his left hand. We will conduct a fitness test tomorrow and hope for a positive outcome."Reflecting on the team's performance thus far, Ponting acknowledged, "We have been close to victory in several matches. We could easily have five wins and one loss. We recognize the competitiveness of the tournament and the need to consistently perform at a high level.""We are actively working to improve in specific areas of our game," Ponting added. "We are determined to be as well-prepared as possible for every match."Delhi Capitals currently stand at four points from six matches, level with Mumbai Indians.

Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals: Fantasy Preview and Match AnalysisThe Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is heating up, and two of the most exciting teams, Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals, are set to face off in a crucial match. Both teams have had mixed results so far, but they will be eager to secure a victory and improve their standings in the points table.Team Performance and Key PlayersGujarat Titans, the defending champions, have played six matches and are currently ranked sixth on the points table. They have won three matches and lost three, with their most recent victory coming against Rajasthan Royals. The Titans' top fantasy player has been Shubman Gill, who has scored 98 fantasy points in the last match. Other key players include Rashid Khan (63 fantasy points) and Sai Sudharsan (48 fantasy points).Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have also played six matches and are ranked ninth on the points table. They have won two matches and lost four, with their most recent victory coming against Lucknow Super Giants. The Capitals' top fantasy player has been Kuldeep Yadav, who scored 95 fantasy points in the last match. Other key players include Rishabh Pant (79 fantasy points), Khaleel Ahmed (68 fantasy points), and Prithvi Shaw (48 fantasy points).Pitch Report and Weather ConditionsThe match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which is known for its batting-friendly pitch. The average first-innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 175 runs. The pitch is expected to assist both batters and bowlers, and the team winning the toss may opt to bat or bowl depending on the conditions.Pace or Spin?The pacers have been more successful at this venue, taking 80% of the total wickets. Therefore, it is advisable to include as many pace bowlers as possible in your fantasy team.Weather ReportThe temperature during the match is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius with 18% humidity. Winds of 4.8 m/s are also expected.Head-to-Head RecordIn the three matches played between these two teams, the bowlers have earned the most fantasy points for their respective teams. In their last encounter, Mohammed Shami scored the highest fantasy points for Gujarat Titans, while Khaleel Ahmed topped the leaderboard for Delhi Capitals.Fantasy XI Top Captain and Vice-Captain PicksCaptain: Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)Vice-Captain: Mohit Sharma (Delhi Capitals)Fantasy XI TeamWicket-Keeper: Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)Batters: Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans), Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans), Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals), David Warner (Delhi Capitals)All-Rounders: Shahrukh Khan (Gujarat Titans), Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals)Bowlers: Mohit Sharma (Delhi Capitals), Khaleel Ahmed (Delhi Capitals), Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans), Kuldeep Yadav (Delhi Capitals)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to witness a thrilling clash between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, April 17. Both teams will enter the match with renewed confidence after securing victories in their previous fixtures.Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, defeated Rajasthan Royals by three wickets, while Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals overcame Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets. The Titans currently stand sixth in the IPL 2024 standings with three wins and three losses, while the Capitals are ninth with four points from six games.Predicted XIs:Gujarat Titans:* Sai Sudharsan* Shubman Gill (Captain)* Matthew Wade (Wicketkeeper)* Abhinav Manohar* Vijay Shankar* Rahul Tewatia* Rashid Khan* Noor Ahmad* Umesh Yadav* Spencer Johnson* Mohit SharmaDelhi Capitals:* Prithvi Shaw* David Warner* Jake Fraser-McGurk* Rishabh Pant (Captain/Wicketkeeper)* Tristan Stubbs* Abhishek Porel* Axar Patel* Kuldeep Yadav* Mukesh Kumar* Ishant Sharma* Khaleel AhmedKey Players to Watch:* Shubman Gill (GT): The Titans' captain has been in excellent form, scoring 255 runs in six matches.* Rishabh Pant (DC): The Capitals' skipper has made a sensational comeback after his accident, amassing 194 runs in six matches.* Tristan Stubbs (DC): The South African has been the most impactful batter for DC, scoring 189 runs in six games.* Rashid Khan (GT): The star leg-spinner has been a match-winner for the Titans, taking six wickets in six matches.* Khaleel Ahmed (DC): The left-arm pacer has been the leading wicket-taker for DC, bagging nine wickets in six matches.Match Preview:The match promises to be a close contest between two evenly matched teams. Gujarat Titans will rely on their strong batting lineup, led by Gill, Wade, and Tewatia. Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, will look to their explosive openers Shaw and Warner, as well as the in-form Stubbs.The bowling departments of both teams are equally impressive, with Rashid Khan, Umesh Yadav, and Mohit Sharma for Gujarat Titans, and Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar for Delhi Capitals.The match is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to put up a big total on the board. The Titans will be aiming to continue their winning streak, while the Capitals will be desperate to move up the standings.

The Mumbai Indians' (MI) captaincy saga has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits alike. After a decade-long reign, Rohit Sharma relinquished the captaincy to Hardik Pandya, a move that has drawn mixed reactions.Despite Pandya's impressive leadership at Gujarat Titans, MI's dismal start to IPL 2024 has raised concerns. Three consecutive defeats and Pandya's public booing at the Wankhede Stadium have cast a shadow over the team's prospects.However, Australian legend Brett Lee remains optimistic about MI's chances. He believes the team's slow starts are a recurring pattern and that both Pandya and Sharma enjoy strong support from their teammates."Based on my observations, it's evident that both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have garnered strong backing from their teammates in the IPL," Lee told Times of India. "Delving into the history of the Mumbai Indians, it's notable that they often start off matches at a measured pace, gradually building momentum."Lee emphasized that the team's success hinges on the rhythm of its key players. "However, once either Rohit or Hardik finds their rhythm, their performances tend to escalate rapidly, driving the team towards success," he said.Lee also dismissed concerns about the captaincy, stating that both Pandya and Sharma possess the leadership qualities to inspire their teammates. "Consequently, I find myself reassured, regardless of whether it's Rohit or Hardik, or anyone else leading the charge for the team, as both possess the capability to inspire and elevate their teammates to greater heights," he added.MI's recent defeat to CSK has added pressure on the team. They will face a crucial test against Punjab Kings on Thursday, where they will aim to bounce back and regain their winning ways.

Jos Buttler's remarkable century against Kolkata Knight Riders has reignited the debate on the importance of athleticism in modern cricket. Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody believes that elite athletes are essential in today's demanding T20 format.Buttler's unbeaten 107 off 60 balls propelled Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling victory, overshadowing Sunil Narine's earlier century. Moody praised Buttler's resilience and physical prowess, highlighting the need for cricketers to be both skilled and physically fit."In today's world of T20 cricket, you need to be an elite athlete," Moody said. "You can't just get away with just being a skilful player."Buttler's performance was particularly impressive considering he had missed Rajasthan's previous game due to injury. Despite losing partners regularly, he remained steadfast, showcasing his mental and physical strength."He's an elite athlete, that's why he's still standing for that very last ball to hit the winning runs," Moody said. "He's coming back from an illness, he's managed to bounce back pretty quickly because he is strong and physically strong."Moody emphasized that athleticism is crucial for cricketers to perform consistently in challenging conditions. "If you don't have the hard yards as an athlete and done the hard work, you can't put in performances like that," he said.Buttler's century serves as a reminder that modern cricket demands a combination of skill, athleticism, and mental fortitude. As the game continues to evolve, the importance of elite athletes will only increase.

Irfan Pathan Questions Mitchell Starc's Performance After Costly Outing Against Rajasthan RoyalsFormer Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised concerns over the performance of Mitchell Starc, the most expensive player in IPL history, following his disappointing outing against the Rajasthan Royals. Starc, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering Rs 24.75 crore, conceded 50 runs in his four-over spell during KKR's narrow loss.Pathan expressed his apprehension on Twitter, stating, "Most expensive player in your team can't be your weak link." Starc's performance against RR was a stark contrast to his previous match against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he had shown signs of improvement by taking three wickets while giving away only 28 runs in his four overs.However, against RR, Starc struggled to maintain that form. His opening over went for 11 runs, setting the stage for a high-scoring chase. In the powerplay, he bowled two overs, remained wicketless, and conceded 24 out of the total 76 runs scored. Despite the efforts of Vaibhav Arora and Harshit Rana, who each claimed a wicket, Starc failed to provide the necessary support.As the chase intensified, Shreyas Iyer's decision to rely on Starc proved costly. The Australian pacer gave away 18 runs in the 18th over, reducing the equation from 46 runs in 18 balls to a more manageable 28 runs in 12 balls. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy were unable to defend the target in the final two overs, as RR secured the victory on the last ball of the match.Pathan's criticism highlights the pressure on Starc to justify his hefty price tag. As the most expensive player in the IPL, he is expected to be a key performer for KKR. However, his recent performances have fallen short of expectations, raising questions about his ability to deliver under pressure.